WARSAW, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Starlink's internet services to Ukraine will continue under the current arrangements despite Polish President Karol Nawrocki's veto on Monday, the head of the Polish Presidential Office has said.
Zbigniew Bogucki made the announcement on social media platform X Monday evening as a response to Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski's criticism of the president, after the latter vetoed an amendment to the Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens.
Gawkowski said on Monday that the president's decision complicates the continuation of Poland's financing of Starlink for Ukraine, which provides vital internet connectivity to the country and its military. The decision is "shutting down the internet for Ukraine," the deputy prime minister claimed.
However, Bogucki said the veto would not stop the Starlink service in Ukraine, and that Starlink costs will continue to be financed under the current law until Sept. 30. Parliament should swiftly consider the president's bill in September, he said.
Also on Monday evening, Bogucki confirmed that the president had submitted his own draft bill to the Sejm, or the lower house of the Polish parliament, which includes provisions granting access to benefits and healthcare only to those who are employed and paying contributions in Poland.
Nawrocki argued that the "800 plus" child benefit should only be available to Ukrainians who are employed in Poland. The vetoed amendment would have extended the benefit to children under 18 who continue in education after finishing secondary school.
Nawrocki has also stated that Polish soldiers will not be deployed to Ukraine, with support limited to logistics and reconstruction efforts. ■
